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WATCH: Orbex rocket launchpad is assembled at Kinloss test site


By Caroline McMorran

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Spaceflight firm Orbex has released a video showing its new rocket launchpad being transported from Peterhead and assembled at a test site in Kinloss.

The 40-tonne structure recently completed the 80-mile road trip from CGC Shot Blasters, Peterhead, to Kinloss on two trucks, accompanied by a police escort.

The three-hour journey through the north-east countryside was captured in a short film, which also shows the structure being crane-lifted into place at the Orbex rocket launch site.

Orbex LP1 was fabricated by Motive Offshore Group, a leading Scottish company specialising in the design and manufacture of marine and lifting equipment.

It was constructed on site at Motive’s headquarters in Banff, Scotland, and is built and tested to meet strict international standards.

Full "dress rehearsals" of launch procedures for the Orbex ‘Prime’ rocket can now take place at the test site.

Orbex Prime is a micro-launcher designed to transport small satellites weighing around 150kg to low Earth orbit. It will eventually launch from its Space Hub Sutherland, construction work on which has yet to start.

The 40-tonne structure recently completed the 80-mile road trip from CGC Shot Blasters, Peterhead, to Kinloss on two trucks, accompanied by a police escort. Picture: RORY RAITT
The 40-tonne structure recently completed the 80-mile road trip from CGC Shot Blasters, Peterhead, to Kinloss on two trucks, accompanied by a police escort. Picture: RORY RAITT

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